Abstract
The aim of this review was to develop a framework for the monitoring of pregnancy weight gain in South African outpatient clinics. Studies showed that intrauterine malnutrition have more serious consequences for children than postnatal malnutrition. Undernutrition, as well as overnutrition during pregnancy, was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The IOM published recommended weight gains by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Wasting in pregnant women can be defined as a mid-upperarm circumference (MUAC) < 22cm. Low prepregnancy BMI is considered a risk factor for preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation. Pregnant women in developing countries start to attend antenatal clinics late in pregnancy, so that prepregnancy BMI may be unknown and antenatal care can be based on pregnancy weight gain only. A framework is proposed that identifies the critical points for action during pregnancy to improve birth outcomes. Health care providers should measure height, weight and MUAC and try to classify pregnant women according to weight status, set weight gain goals and monitor gestational weight gain between follow-up visits. Women with short stature (< 145cm), low body weight (< 45kg), and/or MUAC < 22cm are considered to be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Weekly weight gains should range from 0.3kg for overweight women to 0.5kg or more for underweight women from the second trimester. Genetic background, age, general health, HIV and educational status, cigarette smoking, past nutritional status of the mother, parity, multiple pregnancies, climate, socioeconomic conditions and the availability of health services should be adjusted for in statistical analyses.
Highlights
Maternal nutritional status is considered to be an important factor that affects the successful completion of pregnancy (Abrams &Selvin 1995:163)
In extreme cases of chronic undernutrition, low energy intake during pregnancy was associated with low birth-weight (LBW) (Eastman & Heilman, 1966:326)
There are very limited data available about weight gain patterns of pregnant South African women and the effects of pregnancy weight gain on birth outcomes. Due to this shortage of data there are no clear recommendations for the monitoring of pregnancy weight gain in South African outpatient clinics
Summary
Maternal nutritional status is considered to be an important factor that affects the successful completion of pregnancy (Abrams &Selvin 1995:163). The im portance of these factors in com prehensive m aternal care is recognized, this review will be limited to the background for a protocol for the monitoring of pregnancy weight gain. Some 200 m illion women become pregnant each year, most of them in developing countries. There are very limited data available about weight gain patterns of pregnant South African women and the effects of pregnancy weight gain on birth outcomes. Due to this shortage of data there are no clear recommendations for the monitoring of pregnancy weight gain in South African outpatient clinics. After a comprehensive review of the existing knowledge can such recommendations and areas of further research be pointed out
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have